Australian Chamber Orchestra

"Listening to the Australian Chamber Orchestra is like taking a swig of a vitamin drink. Suddenly: pow! The music certainly feels stronger, muscled, hot from the gym.....If that's what Australia does for you, I'm also emigrating." The Times, 2008.

The Australian Chamber Orchestra is a product of our coutry's vibrant, adventurous and enquiring spirit. Under the visionary leadership of violinist Richard Tognetti, the ACO is an ensemble of virtuosi engaged with music at the highest level: Seventeen minds thinking and breathing as one. In performances around Australia, around the world and on many recordings, the ACO moves hearts and stimulates minds with repertoire spanning four centuries and a vitality and energy unmatched by any other ensemble.

Founded in 1975, the ACO is Australia's only national orchestra, undertaking seven tours annually to Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Sydney and Wollongong. As Australia's flagship orchestra, the ACO tours regularly to Europe, the USA and Asia, performing in the most prestigious venues and festivals. It is internationally renowned for fearless programming and the rapturous response of audiences and critics.

The outstanding Australian musician Richard Tognetti was appointed as Artistic Director and Lead Violin in 1989. Under his inspiring leadership, the ACO has performed as a flexible and versatile 'ensemble of soloists', on modern and period instruments, as a small chamber orchestra group, a small symphony orchestra and as an electro-acoustic collective. In a nod to past traditions, only the cellists are seated during performance - the resulting sense of energy and individuality is one of the most commented-upon elements of an ACO concert experience.

In 2009, Richard Tognetti celebrated his 20th anniversary as the leader of the ACO with a remarkable season featuring collaborations with Bill Henson and Barry Humphries and two US tours. Sydney Theatre Company has been a major force in Australian drama since its establishment in 1978.

For further information about the Australian Chamber Orchestra visit www.aco.com.au.